Mercer Times

Governor Phil Murphy signed a landmark affordable housing legislation in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, on March 20, 2024. The event was attended by various legislative partners and advocates who played significant roles in the development of the legislation.

In his remarks, Governor Murphy expressed gratitude to Mayor Helmin Caba for the warm introduction and highlighted the importance of the legislation in making housing more affordable and accessible for working families across the state. He thanked key legislative partners, including Senate President Nick Scutari, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly Yvonne Lopez, and others who contributed to the success of the bill.

The Governor emphasized the significance of affordable housing as a cornerstone of the American dream and acknowledged the long-standing public policy challenge it has posed in New Jersey. He also recognized the efforts of various organizations and individuals, including Adam Gordon from the Fair Share Housing Center, in shaping the legislation.

Acknowledging the shortage of over 200,000 affordable housing units in the state, Governor Murphy highlighted the need for continued efforts in addressing this issue. The new legislation aims to streamline the process for advancing affordable housing development by involving all three branches of government and establishing clear rules for calculating municipal affordable housing obligations.

Additionally, Governor Murphy mentioned the signing of five other bills focused on lowering construction costs for affordable housing, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to addressing housing affordability in the state.

The Governor expressed gratitude to the legislative sponsors, staff members, and advocacy groups for their tireless work in bringing the historic legislative package to fruition. He reiterated the importance of ensuring that every family in New Jersey has access to a safe and comfortable place to call home, emphasizing the collective effort in making affordable housing a reality for millions of residents.

The event marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve housing affordability in New Jersey, with Governor Murphy and his partners committed to addressing the housing needs of the state's residents.